Time Machine: The VeilSide Supra

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The trip in our time machine continues, and up next I want to share a bit of Supra love with you guys. More specifically, VeilSide’s JZA80 drag monster.

Just like the company’s BNR32 R-1 and famous BNR34 high-speed car, this Supra is one of the demo machines helped put VeilSide on the map, years before the Fast & Furious franchise boosted its fame.

Back in the late ’90s, this was VeilSide’s way to promote its products; company president Hironao Yokomaku designed and sculpted his aero kits, and then fitted them to cars which competed in various Video Option events.

And that’s how this car came to be. It was built for the quarter mile and wore what would go on to become one of the most recognisable aftermarket exterior treatments. Unlike the R32 GT-R parked next to it, which stood out for its far cleaner lines, Yokomaku went a little crazy with air intakes, scoops and outlets for the Supra project. It was this exaggerated style that made so many people fall for VeilSide’s aero products during the ’90s.

Back then, you knew that anything that came out of VeilSide’s Tsukuba shop was not only going to look pretty crazy, it was going to be packing a ton of performance to boot. Functionality was always part of the equation.

The 2JZ engine pumped out well over 1200hp thanks to a rather large pair of top-mounted turbos, but because I never actually got to feature the car, even for a magazine, I never found out the exact spec of the engine. Aside from the big boost injection however, it also ran a large-core intercooler making full use of the bumper’s gaping mouth. To free up space, Yokomaku also relocated the radiator to the rear, hence the massive snorkel scoop plumbed into the redesigned hatch.

There is very little info on the car out there, and this is the only video I was able to find – a successful 9-second pass at Sendai Hi-Land.

With all of this looking back at the old days, I’ve decided that on my next trip up to Tsukuba I will definitely drop by VeilSide and see what the guys are up to. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Yokomaku has kept some of his old legendary machines, and if that’s the case, maybe I’ll have the chance to shoot some of them properly…

The guys who made the HPI DVDs (at least I think its them; I'm not sure) have some footage of this very car on their YouTube channel, along with the Veilside R32. Its a short clip for each car and foggy as hell, so there isn't much visible, but the launches are pretty nuts and they both sound amazing.

veilside hunting and more mid-engine c8 'vette hype. Today has been pretty great in the way of car news. I love hearing more about these almost mystical japanese legends, and it's always a pleasant surprise to see them pop up here. Best of luck with learning more about the veilside cars.

YES YES YES!!! This car for 90s kids who were into imports is so important. It took me a long time to learn anything about it due to the internet not being what it is today. I didnt even know it was a Supra I dont think.90s Japanese sports cars and tuners and the JGTC is where my hearts at for cars.

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